Mr Kejriwal is now less popular than Mr Gandhi's mother, Sonia Gandhi, who is Congress chief and won 57 per cent.

The survey is based on a sample of about 2,500 people polled between February and March this year.

In 2015, Mr Kejriwal, a former tax official and anti-corruption activist, disrupted Indian politics with superlative force, winning all but three seats in the national capital's election. Since then, however, he has been accused by critics of floundering governance. Earlier this year, he lost a major bid to win neighbouring Punjab.

"Nationwide, Kejriwal's popularity is down; if it was Delhi-centric, it could have been different. You would know better why it's gone down? Are these for emotive issues or for rational reasons, we don't know yet," said Bruce Stokes, Pew Director.

The AAP however rubbished the report. "This looks some sham survey. Any survey which is eight months old how - can it be reflect the reality of today? Survey to be credible should be immediate, and not old," party leader Ashutosh said.